Virtues (Buddhism); Monasticism & Religious Orders; Emotions (Psychology); Intention -- Religious Aspects Religious Aspects
摘要
This article examines merit making in contemporary Sri Lankan practice. Exploring the role of emotions, most generally defined as “happiness in the heart/mind,” in this important Buddhist activity, this article seeks not only to move beyond a more mechanical view of merit making as generalized exchange, but also to introduce an affective quality to the notion of intention (cetan). Finally, this article questions the tendency to judge Buddhist behavior and appearance solely against the norms set forth in the Buddhist monastic code by investigating how people's histories, experiences, and backgrounds shape their own understandings of who constitutes an ideal monastic.
目次
Conceptions of meritorious giving: compromising the ethic of intention 125 Happiness in the Hita: locating a place for the emotions in meritorious giving 127 The supremacy of intention and the suitable recipient: moving beyond compromises, tensions, and acute problems 130 Who is the best field of merit? Reconsidering the virtuous recipient in Sinhalese Buddhist practice 130 Reconsidering the suitable recipient: views of lay people 131 Reconsidering the suitable recipient: views of monastics 134 Conclusion 136 Acknowledgement 137 Notes 137 References 145
